Pirelli, Schrader to pressure, temperature sensor for tyres

Milan, Italy - Pirelli and Schrader Electronics have signed an agreement for the development and marketing of tyre condition sensors. The unit would be positioned inside the tyre and is capable of reading temperature and pressure as well as tyre identification data.

The heart of the system is a miniaturised sensor that has no need of a battery thanks to its capacity to generate its own energy, said a joint press release from the two companies.

The sensor is specifically aimed at runflat tyres, as it aims to give a measure of the remaining useful runflat life, based on the temperature history of the tyre. However, the unit could be used with all types of tyre, to give an estimate of the remaining lifetime left in the tyre.

The sensor developed by Pirelli and Schrader Electronics is also an economic and technologically advanced alternative to the onboard” direct electronic tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) currently available on the market.

The joint statement said, "The new sensor allows the tyre to interact with the car, enabling the parameters of the on-board electronic systems to adapt to the information received, therefore enhancing safety and performance."